Should I put my chickens in the coop tonight?

[PaisyQ]

I just put my three 2 month old girls out in their new coop today. They've been running about happily exploring the run, and things seem very good so far. I've got one concern though.

I'm wondering if I should put the girls into the actual coop tonight. They haven't figured out how to climb in on their own yet. It's been a cold, drizzly day today. They seem unconcerned with that, and the area under the coop stays dry, so they can go there to get out of the rain. Looks like the rain will be picking up tonight into tomorrow, with a slight warm up tomorrow.

I put sand in the coop for them. The sand was, and is, damp. I was counting on a warm week to help dry it out, but it doesn't look like I am going to get that. The roost for inside the coop isn't done yet.

So, basically, I'm not sure where they will be better off tonight. The coop run is as secure as I can make it, so they are safe from predators. I may try taking them inside tonight, but the brooder box is falling apart.

Thanks,

Jamie

 

[Incukahlan]

What kind of a coop do you have? Is it multi-level with the run below? You're saying that they haven't figured out how to climb inside, so I'm guessing there's a ramp. If anything put them inside to show them what it is and watch them for awhile to see if they come back out. Once they figure they can get out, they'll also realize they can go in. They may just be too content playing outside right now to really worry about going in the coop, and aren't paying any attention to it because there's no need to yet. I would put them in, watch them for awhile, and come check on them later.

As long as they aren't getting soaked they should be fine. Since they are only 8wks old the roost not being finished isn't necessarily a priority, they can just sleep on the floor inside the coop and be perfectly content. Does the coop itself have a door that so that you can shut them up for the night inside of it? I believe they will figure it out, given the time. Especially if it starts raining more, they'll be more encouraged to find a way to get inside. Put them in the coop area now if you haven't already and see if they can figure out the ramp on their own(if you have a ramp), and go from there. If it has a door, put them in tonight and shut it. They'll be fine.

It really just depends on what kind of coop you have. There's always a way to figure these things out. I'm sure they will be fine outside. As long as the run/coop is secure from predators and they can find their way into the coop, or be put in the coop they'll be good.

 

[PaisyQ]

The coop is an A frame setup, with an attached run. The coop house itself is about a foot and a half off the ground, and the run extends under the house. I did have one of the girls up in the doorway to the house, but she ignored the ramp and just flew down to the ground.

I've just been worried about the sand being damp yet. I was counting on it drying out before I put them outside, and then they broke the brooder box. And now the weather has turned cold and rainy. So I've been worrying about everything g

 

[Incukahlan]

Oh, well if it's an a frame that is slightly raised you shouldn't have a problem at all. That's not very high for them to have to go. Does it have a door to lock them in at night, or no? If it starts raining more by evening and you still don't think that they will go in of their own accord, simply put a board over the front of the coop if it doesn't have one. Put all 3 of them inside now so that they are all aware that there is something above their heads. They may not even use the ramp to go in and out, they may just jump in and out. Ours start jumping out of their enclosures at 8 weeks. Lol. They love to perch and we have multiple enclosures inside of a big coop/shed. I'm sure yours won't have any trouble getting in and out once they realize there is an in. It just may take a few times showing them. If they jump right out, put them back in. Do it a few times and make sure when you put them in, you put them all the way in so that they realize they are inside of something. I would even close them up in it for an hour or so and then open it and let them come out on their own. If they're in there for an hour or so right now they will realize once they come out that it is a place to feel secure. Chickens aren't the brightest animals, but with a little repetition our always catch on fairly quick.